In Honduras, although the Constitution provides for the separation of powers, concerns persist about a lack of respect for the independence of the judiciary. Among other problems, appointments, promotions and removals of judges circumvent or ignore the existing legal framework. Judges do not enjoy security of tenure, especially when they are perceived as challenging power structures. The composition, role and independence of the Council of the Judiciary are problematic. Moreover, concerns have been raised about the physical safety of judges in the country.
Likewise, lawyers have been killed or received death threats, in particular when they work on human rights and corruption cases. Not all lawyers are able to exercise their professional activities freely as required under international standards.
Reportedly, (parts of) the Office of the Public Prosecutor are affected by political interference and a lack of resources. Also prosecutors, in particular those working on cases of impunity for human rights violations or investigating corruption, have been subjected to death threats.
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